clang

1 of 2

verb

ˈklaŋ 

clanged; clanging; clangs

intransitive verb

1

a

: to make a loud metallic ringing sound

anvils clanged

b

: to go with a clang

2

: to utter the characteristic harsh cry of a bird

transitive verb

: to cause to clang

clang a bell

clang

2 of 2

noun

1

: a loud ringing metallic sound

the clang of a fire alarm

2

: a harsh cry of a bird (such as a crane or goose)

Synonyms

Noun

• clangor
• clank
• clash
• whang

Examples of clang in a Sentence

Verb

His fork clanged against the plate.

The prison door clanged shut.

The guard clanged the door shut.

Noun

the horseshoe hit the stake with a satisfying clang

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Light rail trains clanged and car engines raced out on 7th Street, but those noises didn’t penetrate a ground-floor, one-bedroom apartment inside the new Wong Center. —Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 2 July 2024

Heyward’s blast clanged off the right-field foul pole and set the stage for Hernandez’s blast. —Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 18 June 2024

Noun

The Heat’s final chance seemed to clang away with another James’ three-point attempt. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2024

As drums beat, cymbals clang, and women chant, visitors wave their arms, gyrate their hips, and whip their heads – letting loose, as if no one in the world is watching. —Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin clangere; akin to Greek klazein to scream, bark, Old English hliehhan to laugh

First Known Use

Verb

1576, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

clang

1 of 2 verb

ˈklaŋ 

: to make or cause to make a loud ringing sound

clang

2 of 2 noun

: a loud ringing sound like that made by pieces of metal striking together